05_06_05–PAWNEE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS, COLORADO- Dr. Stephen Mackessy <cq> is a Professor of Biological Sciences for the College of Arts and Sciences at University of Northern Colorado in Greeley <cq>. He studies snakes and mostly venom associated with them. He works with rattlesnakes of all kinds. ABOVE: This is a young Prairie Rattlesnake <cq> found in the Pawnee National Grasslands. PHOTO BY HELEN H. RICHARDSON<!–IPTC: 05_06_05–PAWNEE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS, COLORADO- Dr. Stephen Mackessy is a Professor of Biological Sciences for the College of Arts and Sciences at University of Northern Colorado in Greeley . He studies snakes and mostly venom associated with them. He works with rattlesnakes of all kinds. ABOVE: This is a young Prairie Rattlesnake found in the Pawnee National Grasslands. PHOTO BY HELEN H. RICHARDSON–>

Dog owners who enjoy hiking, hunting or simply sharing time with their best friends in rural areas including canyons and open fields may want to consider spending a few minutes “snake-proofing” their pet at Bearpoint Kennel (8305 S. Perry Park Rd.) in Larkspur on Saturday or Sunday, July 14.

Kennel owners Dale and Brenda Merritt are hosting professional dog and snake handler Julian Weslow from Trinity, Texas, over the weekend to train dogs to recognize deadly snakes by sight, sound and smell through e-collar training. The dogs will get up close and personal with a pair of de-fanged diamondback rattlers before some minor shock therapy is applied, teaching them that sniffing out snakes is a no-no. Weslow has used the method to “de-snake” more than 5,000 dogs in the past 20 years.

The clinic is open to all breeds, big and little, for a fee of $60. Discounts of $10 are available to members of Pheasants Forever, Rocky Mountain Pointing Labrador Club and Rocky Mountain Sporting Dog Club. Other dog clubs should call the kennel (303-681-LABS) for possible discounts.

Fire bans update. With summer’s dog days hitting their stride in the drought-stricken West, fire bans have been implemented in several counties and state parks. Lake Pueblo, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area and Mueller state parks are among the most recent to face Stage II fire bans, prohibiting any wood or charcoal fires and restricting smoking to enclosed vehicles of buildings. Compressed gas fires with an appliance that utilizes an off switch are still allowed. The use of fireworks is always prohibited in Colorado state parks.

The bans at Lake Pueblo and Mueller are in effect because of orders issued by officials in Pueblo and Teller counties, where the parks are located. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s Stage II ban was issued by the Bureau of Land Management. The recreation area is jointly managed by the state and the BLM.

Stage II bans are also in effect in Adams, Arapahoe, Park and Boulder counties. Several counties are currently under Stage I fire restrictions, which allows fires in permanently constructed fire grates or grills in developed parks, campgrounds, private residences or picnic areas.

Fire danger is high to extreme across the state, and new bans and restrictions are possible. Anyone planning a cookout or campfire in a state park should call ahead or check the park’s website (www.parks.state.co.us) for updated information.

Fly-fishing seminars. Kerry Caraghar and the friendly folks at Orvis are teaming up with Colorado Parks and Wildlife this month to offer two free fly-fishing seminars on angling opportunities within an hour of Denver. The seminars are open to all, with the first taking place on Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. at the CPW Hunter Education Building (6060 Broadway) in Denver. A second clinic is scheduled for July 25.

To register, e-mail wildlife.neoutreach@state.co.us or call 303-291-7804 and leave a message with the name of the event, name(s) of attendees, address and phone number. For more information on other Orvis fly fishing seminars at their stores, visit www.orvis.com.

Help needed. Wounded Warrior USA is looking for volunteers to help out its first Colorado Float Tube Tournament on Saturday in Monument. Volunteers are eligible for prize giveaways during the event taking place on Monument Lake. Contact the non-profit by calling 719-291-3500.

Jobs available. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is currently accepting applications for new park rangers and district wildlife manager trainees.

State park rangers provide public safety and assist in natural resource protection and management of the 42 parks throughout the state. Some also specialize in areas such as river rafting, boating education and enforcement, trails, camping and law enforcement.

The district wildlife manager’s role includes law enforcement, resource management, public education and applying biological expertise to benefit wildlife and people.

Trainees undergo a nearly year-long training process that includes Colorado law enforcement certification through a police academy. They will work under the guidance of a commissioned officer to enforce wildlife laws and regulations and investigate alleged violations, among other responsibilities. They will also receive training in the proper use of ATVs, snowmobiles and boats. Following successful completion of all training elements, district wildlife managers are assigned to one of the 135 districts around the state.

For a full list of requirements and to apply for either job, see the listing for “Park Ranger” or “District Wildlife Manager” on the official Colorado state jobs website (www.agency.governmentjobs.com/colorado). Applications are due before Aug. 1.

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